The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Explore. In addition to the detailed itinerary each tour has been supported with some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all things money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the North India Explorer + South India Explorer tour available at present.

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and
items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide.Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

India

Lunch £:
6.00

Dinner £:
8.00

Drink

The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

India

Bottle of Beer £:
1.40

Water £:
.50

Tipping - Tour Leader

At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

Tipping - Local Crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow £40 for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Foreign Exchange

India

ATM Availability:
ATMs are available in most large cities in India but they are very limited elsewhere so please do not rely on this.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.

Travellers Cheques:
Opportunities to exchange are limited.

Local Currency:
Indian Rupee

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.

Where to Exchange:
The Indian rupee is a restricted currency and it is best not to obtain in the UK as rates are very poor. You can either change money at the airport on arrival or in major towns during the tour. Your Tour Leader will advise you on the best places in each town.

Visa Information

India: A single entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and must be obtained prior to departure from your embassy of residence.

For UK customers: It is not possible to obtain an Indian visa directly from the Embassy. Therefore, Indian visas should be applied for; online through VFS global http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk, by post or in person (by prior appointment at the VSF Global Office ) or, alternatively, through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK; Visaswift, at http://www.visaswift.com/explore.aspx. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Vaccinations & Protection

India

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.).
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth and from your local healthcare provider.

Climate

India

There is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, in general, the climate is tropical.
Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon, which lasts from June- September. During these months it can be very wet and therefore very humid. At altitude, temperatures can become quite cool at night even in the summer and may drop below freezing between December and February so warm clothing is necessary.
In the winter, northern and mid India can be very cool, with cold evenings, so warm clothing, including plenty of layers, are essential. The south of India remains warm and sunny during the winter months.

Equipment

Tents (with mosquito screens), mattresses and 2 blankets per passenger are provided locally for the Ganges river camp - we recommend briging your own sleep sheet or lightweight bag. Bring a torch and a personal water bottle.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals.

Clothing

In general only lightweight clothing is needed during the day, but bring warmer clothing for the winter evenings in the North from mid November to mid February, (esp. December and January) when a windproof jacket and several warm layers are also recommended. Hotel heating arrangements in the North are not on a par with UK standards and from December to February thermals may be useful.
Bear in mind that South India is tropical with high humidity. Lightweights are needed all year round with some warmer clothes for cooler evenings, particularly in winter (Nov-Mar) in the Nilgiri Hills. Due to the high chance of rain between October and December, it is advisable to take a rain jacket or umbrella during this time. Casual clothes are the most practical: tight fitting garments, brief shorts
and skirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention. Shoes must be taken off for temple visit and you must always cover up arms and legs when going inside. You may want to take an old pair of socks to the temples as the floor can get very hot and difficult to walk on.

Luggage: On Tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself. Domestic flights in India have a maximum luggage allowance of 15kgs for check in baggage and 7 kgs for hand baggage.
It is possible at most stations to pay porters to carry your bags to and from the train however please be aware that the costs can seem high in comparison to other services. Most train stations have several sets of stairs to reach the platforms. It is worth packing light so you can carry everything yourself.